How to Become a Police Officer

Police pursue and apprehend individuals who break the law and then issue citations or give warnings. A large proportion of their time is spent responding to calls, and writing reports and maintaining records of incidents they encounter.

Uniformed police officers maintain regular patrols, investigate suspicious activity, direct traffic at the scene of an accident, investigate burglaries, and give first aid to accident victims. In most areas, they are expected to exercise authority when necessary, whether on or off duty.